David Goyer talks story approach for ‘Man of Steel’

Screenwriter David Goyer has no problems speaking up about the new Superman universe he has developed. ComicBookMovie.com caught up with the writer this week to get some more information about what we can expect this Summer. Not only is the movie going for realism, Goyer explains that he is throwing out the “Comic book” feel altogether.

We’re approaching Superman as if it weren’t a comic book movie, as if it were real…

Not that this should surprise anyone. Nolan and Goyer tackled The Dark Knight Trilogy in the same manner. With both men handling the creative process on the new film, I honestly would not expect anything else but realism. However, what is interesting is the ideas he says about the character’s impact on humanity.

He’s an alien. You can easily imagine a scenario in which we’d be doing a film like E.T., as opposed to him running around in tights. If the world found out he existed, it would be the biggest thing that ever happened in human history…

It falls into that idea of trying to humanise the inhuman. He’s made out of steel, he’s not made out of flesh, metaphorically speaking. We are portraying him as a man, yet he’s not a man.

I remember this actually being one of my biggest issues with Superman myself. Why wouldn’t society be flipping out over the existence of a man who is indestructible? Hearing Goyer speaking about these details is only increasing my anticipation for the cinematic return of Superman. He further explains the challenges of making the character relatable to modern moviegoers in comparison with Batman.

It is obviously a much longer process with a character like Superman. It is much easier to do a realistic take on Batman. You know nothing can hurt Superman, presumably other than Kryptonite. The challenge was simply: can we figure out a way to make those elements work, quote unquote, in the real world? It’s very much a story of a man with two fathers.

One thing is for sure, Goyer and company appear to understand the challenges against them delivering the hero to modern audiences. Hopefully, this Summer’s “Man of Steel” will restore the prestigious hero back into a big-screen powerhouse. What do you think of Goyer’s take on Superman?

is a film critic and film-maker from Dallas, Texas. He attended Midwestern State University where he received a Bachelor's in Business Administration in the field of Marketing. He's a huge lover of all things cinema... except The Last Airbender. Follow him on Twitter @DRockDot